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Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena

The harbour porpoise is one of the smallest ocean mammals and has mostly a dark grey colouring, with a paler underneath. This cetacean is fond of quite shallow coastal waters, and can be spotted along the Norfolk coast.

Conservation status

The local status is not well known. However, there have been increased sightings over the last decade, and the results of recent surveys suggest that the waters off the Norfolk coast are particularly important for this species. The main threats to porpoises are believed to be by-catch (accidental capture whilst fishing), over fishing, pollution, and environmental disturbance (e.g. noise from boats) and possibly climate change.

Details

Did you know? Porpoising is used to describe the way cetaceans jump out of the water as they travel; however, porpoises themselves rarely display this behaviour.

How to recognise

Harbour porpoises are the smallest cetaceans found in the UK, only reaching a maximum of 2m in length. Like many cetaceans, they have a dark grey dorsal side but are paler underneath. They have a short rounded head with no beak.

When sighted in the water, they only show a small proportion of their back and their small triangular dorsal fin, which is positioned in the centre of their back.

Where to see

The harbour porpoise is limited to the northern hemisphere and prefers relatively shallow coastal waters. Sightings and strandings have been recorded along the whole of the Norfolk coast. However, you will have to be lucky to see harbour porpoises from shore; you are probably more likely to see them if you are actually out at sea.

When to see

All year round, but peak Norfolk records occur during January and April.

Report any dead porpoises to the Coastguard (01493 851338). Corpses may be sent to the Natural History Museum for post-mortem to determine cause of death and the condition of the animal before it died.

The RSPCA (08705 555999) or the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (01825 765546) should be contacted immediately for any live strandings.

Related reserves

Related questions & advice

What should I do if I find a stranded porpoise or dolphin?

Telephone for help immediately.

While help is on the way:

1) If you can find adequate assistance, gently roll the animal over onto its front and keep the skin wet by dousing with seawater. Do not pull on its fins or tail and be very careful not to get water down the blowhole.